Rural Health Equity Track (RHET)
The Rural Health Equity Track (RHET) is a longitudinal training option within the Madison Family Medicine Residency Program designed to prepare physicians for rural practice with an emphasis on community engagement, health equity, leadership, and comprehensive clinical care. Residents in RHET complete the full family medicine curriculum while participating in enhanced rural and community-focused experiences.
Practice in a Rural Setting
RHET supports residents interested in caring for rural and underserved populations by providing structured opportunities to build skills in rural clinical practice, community partnership, and systems-level approaches to health. The track emphasizes understanding the social, economic, and geographic factors that influence health in rural communities.
Residents participating in RHET gain additional experience working in rural clinical settings and engaging with community partners while remaining fully integrated into the Madison Family Medicine Residency Program.
Overview
Selection and Assignment
Two residents per class are selected to participate in the Rural Health Equity Track.
Following the NRMP Match, incoming residents complete a clinic preference survey that includes questions about clinic interests, prior experiences, and training goals. RHET assignments are made after the Match by reviewing resident preferences and experiences in the context of the full matched cohort. This process supports balanced clinic teams and thoughtful alignment between resident interests and training opportunities.
Participation in RHET does not alter a resident’s core clinic assignment or required rotations.
Clinical Experience
Residents in RHET participate in enhanced rural clinical experiences tailored to support preparation for independent rural practice at partner sites across Wisconsin. These experiences are designed to strengthen full-spectrum family medicine skills and may include:
- Longitudinal care in rural family medicine practices
- Exposure to rural health systems and critical access hospitals
- Opportunities for advanced procedural experience and practice management
- Care for medically underserved rural populations
Community Engagement
Community engagement is a central component of RHET. Residents work with community organizations, clinics, and public health partners to better understand local health priorities and resources. With faculty guidance, residents may develop community-focused projects that align resident interests with community needs.
Mentorship and Professional Development
RHET residents receive mentorship from faculty with expertise in rural health, community-engaged care, and leadership. Mentorship supports career planning, professional development, and scholarly work related to rural health equity and advocacy.
Career Preparation
Graduates of the Rural Health Equity Track are prepared to:
- Practice comprehensive family medicine in rural and underserved settings
- Engage meaningfully with communities and local organizations
- Address health inequities through patient-centered and systems-based care
- Assume leadership roles in rural clinical practice and community health
Contact the Rural Health Equity Track Coordinator
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Questions about applications and interviews can be sent to: dan.samuelson@fammed.wisc.edu